Savannah Morning News | CHARLIE HARPERhttp://savannahnow.com/sms/taxonomy/term/44804/
enCharlie Harper: Race for lieutenant governor offers glimpse of futurehttp://savannahnow.com/column/2014-10-22/charlie-harper-race-lieutenant-governor-offers-glimpse-future
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<p>The vast majority of airtime and newsprint in Georgia dedicated to the 2014 election has been dedicated to the races for governor and U.S. Senate. </p>
<p>Ironically, the races that have received the most attention are likely to give us negative ads and direct mail into and possibly through the holidays. Yay for us.</p>
<p>Looking a bit further down the ballot, however, may give us a clue as to what the future of Georgia elections will be like. </p>
<p>Casey Cagle is the clear front runner for re-election to remain lieutenant governor. A recent 11Alive Survey/USA poll showed Cagle seven points ahead of challenger Connie Stokes — the strongest lead of any statewide candidate polled.</p>
<p>Cagle will become the de facto front-runner for the Georgia GOP nomination for governor in 2018 regardless of how the current governor’s race ends up. Gov. Nathan Deal is term limited. In the event there is a Gov. Jason Carter, it will be Cagle along with House Speaker David Ralston who will be the faces of the GOP. </p>
<p>The future of Ralston was largely decided by a May 20 primary. Not only did he win re-election in his home district, but his team faced down primary challenges across the board. </p>
<p>Cagle, however, currently runs statewide. And presumably, he will be doing it again in four years, though likely for a different position. The November election will likely tell us a lot about the GOP’s agenda from the Senate.</p>
<p>Cagle used the weekend GPTV/Atlanta Press Club debate to articulate a need to better match education with skills needed by employers. Specifically, he hopes to expand workforce development efforts among high schools and technical colleges to train workers for skills that Georgia employers currently have difficulty hiring employees. </p>
<p>Saying that “education drives the economy,” Cagle noted that Georgia currently has 29 college and career academies that blend high schools and technical colleges to provide skills matched to local employers. He went on to say graduates of these programs make twice the amount of money than with a regular diploma.</p>
<p>It remains a hallmark of GOP responses to education questions that goes beyond additional tax dollars. Republicans are willing to talk about specific changes and programs such as career academies and charter schools, while their opposition seems content to say fully funded schools must come first. This despite the fact that no governor has “fully funded” Quality Basic Education since its inception, or that Deal’s last budget puts education at the highest percentage of the state budget in 50 years.</p>
<p>Connie Stokes, meanwhile, seems to be representing the Democratic party of Georgia’s future. </p>
<p>While most Democrats seem willing to allow Jason Carter to vote for a “guns everywhere” bill and Michelle Nunn to run commercials featuring George H. W. Bush, there is anticipation of a day when a Georgia Democrat no longer has to plan a fishing trip when a Democratic president visits. </p>
<p>Stokes seems much closer aligned to the national party platform than those in the top ticket races. She favors traditional Democratic initiatives such as an increase in the minimum wage and Medicaid expansion. She also took issue with tax cuts used to lure businesses here to add jobs, saying there’s no accountability. </p>
<p>Where there is less disagreement is in an area where there may be movement in the next General Assembly: transportation. </p>
<p>Cagle called it “a huge issue” noting the continued decline of the motor fuels tax. Telegraphing what will be heavily debated beginning in January, Cagle said, “We have to look to alternative funding ... It does need to be big and it needs to be bold.”</p>
<p>And that, perhaps, may be a line that shows how the next four years could be the most different than the last four from a GOP controlled legislature. “Big” and “bold” have not often been used with expensive programs, much less revenue streams. And yet, there’s the reality that Georgia is a large and rapidly growing state which has underfunded transportation infrastructure for decades.</p>
<p>That growth will be part of the ongoing “changing demographics” story we’ll be hearing a lot between now and the 2018 election. “Big and bold” may not be a message tailored to the 2014 Georgia electorate. But it may be the first salvo in what will be needed to win statewide in 2018.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/column/2014-10-22/charlie-harper-race-lieutenant-governor-offers-glimpse-future#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERBusinessHospitalityLaborLawTechnologyAtlantaAtlanta Press ClubBusinessCagleCandidate PositionCasey CagleCasey CagleCharlie HarperConnie StokesDavid RalstonDemocratic Party of GeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGovernorHospitalityHouse SpeakerJason CarterLaborLawlieutenant governorNathan DealNathan DealPerson CareerQuotationRepublican PartyrunnerSenateTechnologyUnited StatesUnited States SenateWed, 22 Oct 2014 04:32:56 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1073957 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Qutting is easy, and comes at a costhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-11-04/commentary-qutting-easy-and-comes-cost
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_32.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
<p>A friend and I traded messages this week about her 12-year-old son. It appears he had a dust-up with his coach during basketball tryouts and decided to quit the game. It was clear she wasn’t happy with his decision. </p>
<p>I suggested that if it wasn’t too late, she may wish to have him reconsider. It reminded me of a time when I too have made similar choices.</p>
<p>The only athletic activity that ever came naturally to me was swimming. When I was even younger than my friend’s son, we got a new instructor for swim lessons. The new guy and I didn’t get along. He wasn’t as good as the last instructor. He didn’t know what we were already good at and was making us do things we already knew how to do. </p>
<p>He didn’t seem interested in being there, and seemed more interested in wanting to get a good tan and enjoy the poolside company of those older than us kids. </p>
<p>In short, he was a bit of a jerk. He didn’t appear to be constructive. I didn’t like the guy. I didn’t go back, and never had a lesson, never joined a swim team, and enjoyed my teen years and too many beyond them as a couch potato.</p>
<p>It’s easy to quit. There are many things that can be used to justify the decision. It often is a rational one, and sometimes it’s the best choice. </p>
<p>But too often, quitting is a short-term solution born in what is easy rather than what is good and needed for long-term success. It’s a short circuit. </p>
<p>And when learned at too young of an age, it becomes part of the conditioning process to follow the path of least resistance. </p>
<p>Most of us eventually learn we must pick and choose our battles. This is when confidence is earned. This is how character develops.</p>
<p>As this is largely a political column, many of us treat politics as a spectator sport. Too often, the spectators never realize they quit long ago.</p>
<p>I can remember my frustration when I worked campaigns. I would ask people if they were involved in politics. The number of times that question was answered with “I listen to Neal Boortz/Rush Limbaugh every day” was astounding. </p>
<p>It did not surprise me at all that talk radio would be the news medium of choice for these folks, as I tended to work Republican primary races. This was a time before blogs or Fox News. </p>
<p>What was surprising was that was the sum total of their idea of “involved.”</p>
<p>With the suburbanization and modernization of our population, fewer of us go to civic meetings like Kiwanis, Rotary or the Lions clubs anymore. Fewer still attend organized political meetings like partisan breakfasts or dinners. Most precincts go unorganized by both parties. “Door to door” campaigning mostly means either paid canvassers or very young volunteers putting fliers in mailboxes.</p>
<p>The vast majority of us have decided, actively or passively, to quit participating. Listening to the radio, watching cable news or reading this column is not participating.</p>
<p>Participating is showing up. It doesn’t have to be at an organized event, but it does have to mean you’re willing to help change someone else’s vote — or to get a non-voter to vote. This isn’t done by hanging out with only those you agree with. It sometimes means taking swimming lessons from a total jerk or playing basketball for a coach you don’t like.</p>
<p>Civics are a lifelong responsibility in a free country. If we do not all do our part to participate in how we govern, then we must accept the consequences from those who will govern us. </p>
<p>Quitting is easy. The consequences of quitting are forever.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper edits the Peach Pundit blog in Atlanta.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-11-04/commentary-qutting-easy-and-comes-cost#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPER9coachinstructor for swim lessonsTue, 05 Nov 2013 03:35:34 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1044104 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Hope and a prayer for Bulldog fan on GameDayhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-10-02/commentary-hope-and-prayer-bulldog-fan-gameday
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_30.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/12680340.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="210" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/12680346.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="261" /></div><p />
<p>I’ve never met Travis, but I’ve known his brother-in- law Joe for a few years.</p>
<p>A few months ago, Travis was diagnosed with a rare and serious form of cancer. There is rarely good news to be given to people in Travis’ condition, but most of the initial test results were promising. But last week they experienced their first major setback since treatment began. </p>
<p>Last Wednesday morning, he wrote about Travis:</p>
<p>“I haven’t met one person who believes Travis can be beaten. He doesn’t lose... He has will and perseverance and fire. The last couple days have been hard. The last couple days have brought bad news and then worse news. His chemotherapy is failing, and the cancer is growing. M.D. Anderson in Houston has a brand new clinical trial, and Travis is a shoe-in for the treatment. </p>
<p>“Travis said that this is his Doug Flutie moment. Travis didn’t say that this is his Hail Mary, because a Hail Mary is a long shot. Travis said that this is his Doug Flutie moment, because Flutie won.”</p>
<p>And with that, Joe decided he would start a campaign. With Travis being a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan and with ESPN coming to Athens for the LSU game last Saturday , Joe decided he would get Travis on ESPN’s Gameday program. It would require a political campaign unlike those he usually works so hard on. This one was not a marathon. It would be a three-day sprint. </p>
<p>The tactics were simple: use social media and a hashtag of #TravOnGameday to get ESPN’s attention. A lot of Joe’s friends wrote about the idea in our various blogs. Everyone was encouraged to tweet about Travis. Many political campaigns responded and used their grassroots social media network. Several of Georgia’s congressmen as well as Gov. Nathan Deal joined in. </p>
<p>But the response was not exclusively from Republican circles. Cancer is not a partisan issue. I got a call from a Democratic friend who had a contact at ESPN. He let me know he was working the issue. </p>
<p>By Friday, when WSB-TV called Travis and Joe about an interview, they told him that there has been 675,000 tweets sent about Travis. And those tweets got ESPN’s attention. </p>
<p>Travis and Joe spent the day Saturday with the ESPN crew and were given the red carpet treatment. Travis got the opportunity to thank Lee Corso for not picking the Georgia Bulldogs to win the game (he was cheered by the crowd when he picked LSU).</p>
<p>There is hope that ESPN will come back to Athens again next year and that Travis can return for the crew to do a follow-up story on him. But for now, the pace will involve short-term goals and living life one day at a time.</p>
<p>But with the message that every day is sacred, Travis and those close to him have made a decision. While there is life, it will be lived. </p>
<p>These are decisions we should all make. </p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog. Learn more about Travis at concretefaith.org. </p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-10-02/commentary-hope-and-prayer-bulldog-fan-gameday#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERAthensHoustonESPNCanadian Football LeaguechemotherapyDoug FlutieESPNFamily RelationFootballGeorgiaJoeMajorNational Football LeaguePerson CareerPerson LocationPerson TravelQuotationTravisTravisThu, 03 Oct 2013 01:38:24 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1041669 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Georgia's Senate race: Who'll win?http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-09-02/commentary-georgias-senate-race-wholl-win
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_27.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
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<p>This is the question that I’m asked most frequently when people want to chat about Georgia politics:</p>
<p> Who’s going to win? </p>
<p>It doesn’t matter the race really. The question is almost the political equivalent of commenting on the weather. It is an entry into picking the brains of other politicos to compare notes and strategies for an upcoming campaign season.</p>
<p>And yet, for this election cycle in Georgia, it is the wrong question at this time. </p>
<p>In many of the Republican primary contests, there are multiple credible candidates. Seven are currently competing in the race for U.S. Senate. At least six have indicated they will run for Georgia’s 11th Congressional District, with four of them considered contenders. Georgia’s 10th and 1st Congressional Districts are also a bit of a jump ball, though one candidate who sought to replace Congressman Jack Kingston withdrew his name from consideration last week.</p>
<p>It should be noted that on the Democratic side, there are at least four who have announced their intention to run for Senate. Good luck getting a Democratic official to acknowledge this, however. Unlike the GOP, there does appear to be motivation for the party structure to assist in picking the eventual winner. </p>
<p>Prognostication this far from Election Day is difficult under normal circumstances in a crowded field. An added degree of difficulty has been thrown in, courtesy of a federal judge who moved Georgia’s primary dates in order to extend time for runoff elections where necessary. </p>
<p>The result will be Georgia’s earliest primary on record — May 20. The change also gives an unprecedented nine weeks for runoffs where necessary, with the runoff elections scheduled July 22. The effect is much more significant than adding six weeks to an extension of the runoff calendar.</p>
<p>A three-week runoff generally favored whoever had the momentum going into the primary election. After all, three weeks allows scarce time to raise additional funds, get endorsements of former opponents, integrate grass roots supporters into a campaign structure, cut new ads and produce new direct mail, and then get all of that in front of voters before they return to the polls.</p>
<p>An additional six weeks turns a nine-week runoff into an election that will be different than the primary campaign. This is time to hone issues much more suited to a head-to-head contest based on which two candidates have survived that long. This is time for a extra debates. And time for significant fundraising.</p>
<p>The element of money should never be discounted in political campaigns, and the extended runoff cycle will likely have an effect of depressing overall fundraising for the first part of this campaign. </p>
<p>Many contributors are likely to sit on their checkbooks until they have a 50-percent of making a prudent investment. In a seven-candidate race, there is no rush to bet early. There will be plenty of time to buy friendships during a nine-week runoff. So expect candidates to have difficulty raising money going forward for reasons other than the economy.</p>
<p>The Georgia Legislature is expected to move the dates for statewide elections to coincide with those for federal races, adding another fundraising wrinkle. </p>
<p>Statewide office-holders are prohibited from raising money when the legislature is in session. Thus, incumbents will be facing re-election with perhaps just eight weeks to raise money during 2014 before the first votes are cast.</p>
<p>While those in leadership will not likely be hurt, those down the seniority list will face an increasingly anti-incumbent electorate and have less time to raise money to promote their good deeds. The playing field may have just become a bit more level for those who are considering primary challenges.</p>
<p>The move of primary dates will have more of an effect on who Georgia chooses to nominate than a simple bit of timing. Those who invest money in campaigns have been given incentive to sit on the sidelines and slow play their decisions. The money will still show up, but many contributors won’t start writing checks until May 21. That’s the date when it is time to start asking the question, “Who’s going to win?”</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog. </p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-09-02/commentary-georgias-senate-race-wholl-win#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERBusinessEntertainmentBusinessElectionsEntertainmentGeorgiaGeorgia state electionsJack KingstonJudgePolitical philosophyPoliticsRepublican PartyRepublican Party presidential primariesRunoff votingSenateTwo-round systemUnited States SenateUnited States Senate election in GeorgiaVotingTue, 03 Sep 2013 03:04:56 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1039409 at http://savannahnow.comHarper: Beware 'easy' money of student loanshttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-08-06/harper-beware-easy-money-student-loans
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_25.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
<p>Many students are returning to school this week and next week. Summer no longer lasts until the week after Labor Day. In Georgia, most students will spend the majority of August in classrooms. </p>
<p>It is not just K-12 students returning to campus. College students are moving into dormitories as well. Their arrival coincides with the signing of new compromise legislation that slows the rate of increase for student loans. </p>
<p>This money is far from free. </p>
<p>Many of the programs available now contain variable interest rates. The ability to repay these loans must be addressed, as student loans are now the second largest portion of Americans’ consumer debt, with total outstanding obligations surpassing $1 trillion.</p>
<p>For students who need loans to pursue their degrees, their first lesson should be how to calculate a return on investment. Too many are borrowing money for the sake of “learning.” When pressed, this can mean taking a break from joining the adult world with adult responsibilities for four to six years. </p>
<p>Students should investigate job placement rates and average annual starting salaries for the degrees they are seeking. They then should create a budget for housing in the area where they plan to live, for transportation costs and for other living expenses. Then they should see how much the repayment on their loans will cut into their discretionary income. </p>
<p>This exercise should not be voluntary. It should be required at the beginning of each term when a student applies for student loans. This would not only reinforce the cost of the mounting debt, but also demonstrate how delaying degrees by changing majors or dropping classes puts off the inevitable and raises its price tag. </p>
<p>Students should also understand that certain majors carry more risk in finding employment than others. According to a recent Georgetown University study, those majoring in architecture, anthropology and political science have an unemployment rate two to three times higher than those with degrees in nursing, early childhood education or chemistry. </p>
<p>Students should be aware that their student loans cannot be discharged by bankruptcy. </p>
<p>Students entering college today must make a careful assessment of what their finances are now and what they are likely to be for the five to 10 years after graduation. While there is great temptation to “experience” all that college has to offer, there needs to be a sober reflection on how this will be paid for. </p>
<p>We have perhaps reached a point where borrowing money for college is too easy, with the long-term consequences of these early financial decisions not adequately explained or understood.</p>
<p>If we cared about this generation of students, we wouldn’t be throwing loan applications for unlimited credit lines at them any more than we would hand them bottles of whiskey and car keys. </p>
<p>College is an awesome time to learn. It should not be the time to learn long-term financial consequences the hard way.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog. </p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-08-06/harper-beware-easy-money-student-loans#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERCharlie HarperDebtFinanceGeorgiaLabor DayLoanStudent loanStudent loans in the United StatesUSDWed, 07 Aug 2013 01:54:42 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1037254 at http://savannahnow.comHarper: Fighting begins for Georgia's political middlehttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-07-30/harper-fighting-begins-georgias-political-middle
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_22.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
<p>Last week, Michelle Nunn made the worst kept secret in Georgia politics official. She will be a candidate for the U.S. Senate. </p>
<p>In reality for Georgia Democrats, she will be THE candidate for the Senate, although three other announced candidates want their party’s nomination. </p>
<p>Unlike the Georgia GOP, which has seven announced candidates and four or five potential contenders, institutional Democrats appear to have no appetite for a divisive primary. </p>
<p>Nunn is their one.</p>
<p>The Democrats wasted no time labeling her a centrist. At the same time, the Georgia GOP was dispatching press releases declaring her “out-of-touch” with Georgia values and convictions. </p>
<p>This is a preview of the general election campaign. There will be a fight for “the middle” in Georgia politics.</p>
<p>The Democratic Party of Georgia, barely a decade removed from majority status, has been reduced to a party that seems to represent little more than urban Atlanta and pockets of Southwest Georgia. Gone are the days when Democratic partisans refused to identify with their national brethren. </p>
<p>Today’s Democratic activists — a much younger and nationally focused group than those who ran the party during the last days of their majority — openly embrace the initiatives of the national party. </p>
<p>Nunn is the daughter of the man that the entire state Democratic Party used to identify with. He was a reason why Democrats wouldn’t switch to the Republican party. </p>
<p>“I’m a Sam Nunn Democrat” had a unique and specific meaning. It meant “I’m a Georgia (and mostly conservative) Democrat, not one of those Kennedy-like national Democrats.”</p>
<p>And yet, days before her announcement, she shared a stage with President Obama and President George H. W. Bush to commemorate the 5,000th “Daily Point of Light” award from the Points of Light Foundation, an Atlanta-based group of which she is the CEO.</p>
<p>The social media buzz following her announcement demonstrated that even progressive Democrats concede that Nunn must be viewed as a candidate who will appeal to those voters who kept her father and other Democrats in power. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, the GOP has signaled they will seek to brand her as someone far from the middle. But where the middle is in this race is complicated. It also has a lot to do with which of the seven candidates Republicans choose to nominate. </p>
<p>Democrats clearly have their hopes set on a battle with Congressman Paul Broun of Athens. His views of evolution as “lies from the pit of hell” will go a long way to making the CEO of a Bush-inspired charity look reasonable by comparison. </p>
<p>For years, the mantra in GOP circles is that you cannot be conservative enough. Now that there is a battle for the middle, Republicans will have to make a calculated assessment when they choose their nominee. </p>
<p>Will they fulfill their inner wants and needs? Or, will they choose the most conservative candidate that can win a general election?</p>
<p>This is the central question that GOP voters will have to answer between now and next June’s primary. It will likely determine just how close or far away from the middle Michelle Nunn actually is.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-07-30/harper-fighting-begins-georgias-political-middle#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERAtlantaCandidate PositionCharlie HarperChevron CorporationConservatism in the United StatesDemocratic PartyDemocratic Party of GeorgiaDemocratic Party of GeorgiaFletcher ThompsonGeorgiaMichelle NunnPaul BrounPerson CareerPerson LocationPolitical parties in the United StatesPolitics of the United StatesRepublican PartyRepublican PartySam NunnSenateSouthern Democratssouthwest GeorgiaUnited States SenateTue, 30 Jul 2013 04:05:46 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1036740 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Georgia's public spaces need protectionhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-07-05/commentary-georgias-public-spaces-need-protection
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_21.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
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<p>America celebrated its birthday this week. Many celebrated outdoors, which is becoming more of a rarity for too many of us.</p>
<p>Children who are plugged in to electronic devices at all times look downright confused when told to go play outside. It’s how most of us older people grew up. Yet for today’s kids, the opportunity isn’t as available as it once was.</p>
<p>We are a nation and a state on a march to urbanization. The rural part of our world holds less of the population. That causes a loss of a connection between kids — tomorrow’s adults — and nature. </p>
<p>That’s why there’s an increased need for public parks.</p>
<p>Parks are an often overlooked but necessary function of government. Whether protected by the National Park Service or state and local governments, parks provide public space that is increasingly important to a population that now thinks a third of an acre is a large lot.</p>
<p>Protecting and preserving park land not only provides land for recreational purposes. It also promotes a basis for understanding and protecting the environment. As politicians grapple with changing demographics, one area that remains consistent with younger voters is their concern over environmental issues. </p>
<p>Georgia, unfortunately, doesn’t quite appear ready to make this commitment. </p>
<p>Jekyll Island has long been reserved for everyday Georgians to see the beach and its natural environment. By law, the island must keep 65 percent of its land undeveloped. The Jekyll Island Authority has been working on a new master plan to redevelop the island — a move drawing concern that the price point of newer, redeveloped hotels will put the price tag of a Jekyll vacation out of reach for many. But there is a more disturbing possibility that the amount of Jekyll that will be developed will increase.</p>
<p>It’s the opinion of Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens is that marshland should be considered “land” for purposes of what can be developed. Counting marshland as part of the island’s size increases the land mass of Jekyll by over 1,700 acres, allowing more acres for new development. </p>
<p>The amount of development that would be allowed under this ruling would change the character of Jekyll forever. It would allow most of the current high ground to become a large state gift to whichever developer can win the prize. </p>
<p>In Georgia, the well-connected know how to work this system all too well.</p>
<p>In Atlanta, the city is moving forward with its creation of The Beltline. Often looked at as a future transit ring around the inner city, the perhaps the Beltline’s greatest achievement will be to provide over 800 acres of new parkland to residents. The largest park northwest of downtown will be on the site of a former rock quarry. It will be roughly twice the size of the city’s downtown oasis, Piedmont Park.</p>
<p>Georgia has vast natural resources and the means to protect them. These parks, large and small, are of irreplaceable value to current and future Georgians. </p>
<p>As we celebrate the birth of a nation, we need to take a good look around while we’re all outside. We have great gifts that need to be preserved. Great states and great countries do these things. We need not let the opportunity pass us by.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-07-05/commentary-georgias-public-spaces-need-protection#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPEREnvironmentTechnologyAmericaEnvironmentGeorgiaGeorgiaJekyllJekyll IslandNational Park ServicePerson CareerPerson LocationTechnologyTelevisionWildernessSat, 06 Jul 2013 03:15:55 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1035076 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Georgia GOP debates its futurehttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-05-20/commentary-georgia-gop-debates-its-future
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_19.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
<p>What do you get the political party who has everything? Figuring that out was really the purpose of the Republican state convention last weekend in Athens. </p>
<p>Sure, the official overriding reason was to elect a new Georgia GOP chairman and a slate of other officers. </p>
<p>Gone are the days when the forces from the “Pat Robertson” crowd battled those of “the establishment.” These days, everyone seems to be battling the establishment without any sense of irony that the 2,000-plus delegates who donned stickers proclaiming to be “RINO hunting” were, by definition, the establishment themselves. </p>
<p>And yet, while coalitions of social conservatives, Tea Partiers, Ron Paul-inspired liberty caucus revolutionaries and members of various affiliated groups attempted to gain enough votes to elect their members to positions of authority, it was not lost on at least one influential member of the party where the real battle remains.</p>
<p>Gov. Nathan Deal addressed the delegates during a break of self-congratulation as the outgoing officers had spent much of the morning awarding each other gifts for meritorious service. They had, after all, presided over a time when Georgia’s transformation to a Republican state had become complete. </p>
<p>All statewide elected officials are now under the GOP banner. Control of the Senate and House hover at super-majority numbers. It seems the only elusive trophy left for Republicans to gain is that of Georgia’s 12th district, which John Barrow stubbornly refuses to cede.</p>
<p>The governor acknowledged the accomplishments, but also urged Republicans to look at the 2012 election as they consider their future. Georgia was, after all, one of the states where Mitt Romney won by one of the thinnest margins of victory. This, despite virtually no effort from President Obama’s campaign team or national Democrats. </p>
<p>Georgia will not go unchallenged much longer. The governor was keenly aware that the morning after this convention, Air Force One would be arriving at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, bringing a president to not only speak to graduates at Morehouse College, but also to stop by a fundraiser hosted by Arthur Blank for the 100 or so who could afford $10,000 or more per couple to attend.</p>
<p>Deal urged the delegates not to focus their anger and fight on other Republicans, but to remain vigilant. He admonished the crowd “not to tackle our own player” when he has the ball and is about to score. Instead, he encouraged those listening to look at the warning signs, noting Georgia’s changing demographics. He said that it is independent voters that need the most attention.</p>
<p>Deal’s words were not likely about his own campaign in 2014, but those coming in 2016 and 2018.</p>
<p>One of the key issues debated in the GOP chairman’s race was to consider ending primaries and nominating candidates from the convention, as Virginia did. The result would be to empower insider activists. But that would leave many independent voters outside the process looking in.</p>
<p>The Georgia GOP has virtually everything it can hope for. It remains to be seen if new leadership is content to allow this time to be a high water mark, or if it can lead outreach that ensure majorities as the demographics change.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-05-20/commentary-georgia-gop-debates-its-future#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERWarAthensCandidate PositionchairmanConservativesGeorgiaGeorgiaGovernorJohn BarrowNathan DealPerson CareerPerson PartyPolitics of the United StatesQuotationRepublican PartyRepublican PartyRon PaulRon Paul-inspiredSenateTea PartiersUnited StatesWarTue, 21 May 2013 02:57:12 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1031696 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Guns and the legislaturehttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-04-02/commentary-guns-and-legislature
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<p>The most remarkable thing about this year’s session of the Georgia General Assembly was the unremarkable nature of the event. </p>
<p>There were few public battles. Most clashes occurred behind closed doors. Instead of being remembered for what was done during the 40 days that ended last Thursday evening, it’s likely that it will be remembered for what didn’t happen.</p>
<p>The lead-up discussion prior to gaveling in was centered on the hospital bed tax renewal, which would prop up Georgia’s underfunded Medicaid program. Gov. Nathan Deal sidestepped the question by floating the idea that the Department of Community Health could levy the tax. </p>
<p>“Comprehensive ethics reform” had buzz in the early session. But as time wore on, the word “comprehensive” meant less and less.</p>
<p>At least some leaders were calling it “a good first step,” implying that there are more steps needed.Then again, many of these legislators promised they would make transportation their No. 1 priority after the statewide failure of T-SPLOST referendums last year. The vacant record on transportation showed the value of elected officials telling you what they’ll do by the time they hope you have forgotten the question.</p>
<p>And then there were guns.</p>
<p>Nothing excites the Georgia legislature more than the annual bills designed to ensure that one of the most pro-Second Amendment states in the union keeps the issue at the forefront. Various laws were proposed and vigorously debated. </p>
<p>Ultimately, none were passed.</p>
<p>A compromise on when students would be allowed to bring weapons onto college campuses came too late for the legislature to consider the bill in their final hour. Yet another non-accomplishment.</p>
<p>This one, however, will be back next year. </p>
<p>Every legislator will want to be on record as being sufficiently pro-gun heading into a primary election. Besides, gun issues can generate headlines and attract interest. That takes attention away from other items.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-04-02/commentary-guns-and-legislature#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERGeorgiaGeorgiaGovernorLocal government in the United StatesNathan DealPerson CareerSpecial-purpose local-option sales taxtransportationTue, 02 Apr 2013 04:06:19 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1027587 at http://savannahnow.comHarper: Georgia lags on ethics reformhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-03-25/harper-georgia-lags-ethics-reform
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<p>Most items of consequence within the Georgia General Assembly happen during the final few days. </p>
<p>Today and Thursday will mark days 39 and 40. Many items that were considered dead will make “surprise” appearances via amendments to other bills. Some items will be brand new. And some will be compromises heralded as solutions, but don’t fix the problems.</p>
<p>Ethics reform looks like it will fall into the final category. </p>
<p>The compromise between the House and Senate — if there is to be one — centers on if there is a dollar threshold on gifts that lobbyists can give legislators, or whether gifts should be eliminated. Also, what loopholes will allow those gifts to continue and who will have to register as a lobbyist to report such gifts?</p>
<p>Ethics reform advocates are partly responsible for this debate. The Georgia Ethics Alliance, composed of groups such as Common Cause Georgia and the Tea Party Patriots, pushed for a gift cap of $100 during last session. They deemed it progress when many of those who spent the last session blocking reforms signed on.</p>
<p>The House passed a measure that changed the definition of who must register as a lobbyist and a total gift cap. The Senate wants to allow gifts of up to $100, which can be delivered multiple times by the same lobbyist to the same legislator each day.</p>
<p>The Tea Party Patriots spent most of the early part of the debate battling against requirements that they must register as lobbyists, rather than focusing on adding what these bills lack — independent oversight and individual accountability for legislators who violate gift restrictions or accept undisclosed gifts. </p>
<p>Lawmakers who tell us transparency ensures accountability will not want you to ask why their own body remains exempt from Georgia’s open records laws. </p>
<p>It’s likely that new ethics laws will refuse to address real ethics problems in our state government. The lack of real commitment to change is the thing that remains most transparent. </p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-03-25/harper-georgia-lags-ethics-reform#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERCharlie HarperGeorgiaLobbyingLobbying in the United StateslobbyistMilitary-industrial complexSenateTue, 26 Mar 2013 02:37:26 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1026987 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Federal employees aren't the enemyhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-03-01/commentary-federal-employees-arent-enemy
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<p>I grew up working in a hardware store in Fayetteville. It was a store our family bought just after I turned 13. </p>
<p>Before that time, my father was a federal government employee. He spent the first 22 years of his professional life as an internal auditor, investigating and preparing fraud cases against those who illegally appropriated taxpayer funds for personal uses.</p>
<p>While there were excellent benefits of being a career civil servant then, there was also the stigma that went along with being a federal employee. At times, I know it grated on my father. He didn’t let it bother him too much. His work was honorable. His co-workers were excellent people that became his lifelong friends. </p>
<p>There was a certain security that went with being a federal employee that made up for the fact that wages would be a bit lower than private sector equivalent work, and that promotion opportunities would be few after a certain level was reached. Still, Dad and his friends worked hard and traveled extensively, catching and prosecuting those who would steal from the government. After all, those people were stealing from all of us.</p>
<p>The general work environment changed over time. Budget cuts made the work environment even more stressful. More was asked from a department that was given less, and the tolerance for the occasional accounting irregularity or the explanation that it was just sloppy work grew frustrating. </p>
<p>Then, in the early ’80s, there was talk of furloughs and pay cuts or freezes. For those who remained in dad’s unit, the stress levels took their toll. There were stress-induced illnesses. Dad’s best friend at work retired early due to medical disability. Just eight years short of retirement, Dad decided it was best for him and our family that he move on and work in the private sector. </p>
<p>It wasn’t an easy choice. But it provided me and the rest of our family a different connection with our town. </p>
<p>There will be a lot of talk of sequester going forward. Many of the effects have been overstated, but that does not mean there will not be a human toll within the federal ranks. </p>
<p>Those of us who understand that there needs to be cuts should not make federal employees our adversary. Most are hardworking people. They should not bear the blame that they are working within a system that is bloated and broken. </p>
<p>In a perfect world, the best employees would be retained and placed on projects that are the most needed and have the most impact. Instead, many of the cuts will be across the board. The pain will be shared among the most and least productive.</p>
<p>Federal employees are not the enemy. Spending beyond our means is. Some of the employees, however, will be the first to acknowledge that changes that are best for the country will force them to make changes.</p>
<p> This is never easy, whether working in the public or private sector.</p>
<p>Private companies downsize and reorganize regularly to meet the needs and conditions of the market. We accept this so that the company can survive. </p>
<p>The federal government must do the same. But let us remember that there is a human cost to these changes, and be mindful of those who are affected.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-03-01/commentary-federal-employees-arent-enemy#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERBusinessLaborLawFayettevilleBusinessinternal auditorLaborLawPrivateXMLSat, 02 Mar 2013 03:56:18 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1025026 at http://savannahnow.comHarper: Kingston, blueberries and capitalhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-02-22/harper-kingston-blueberries-and-capital
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<p>Last Saturday, Congressman Jack Kingston made a semi-announcement at a Forsyth County GOP meeting, putting him the closest publicly into the race for U.S. Senate with the already-announced U.S. Rep. Paul Broun.</p>
<p>The records of Broun (R-Just Vote No) and Kingston (R-Subcommittee Chairman of Appropriations) will be a study in contrast, and Kingston will receive little appreciation for his 20 years of service from Tea Party groups because of it. </p>
<p>Tea Party leader Debbie Dooley was already prepared with lists of Kingston’s quotes to declare him an establishment candidate, while others were prepared with lists of individual earmarks.</p>
<p> The one most highlighted was listed as “My personal favorite is the $209,000 spent to improve Blueberry production. Sounds important.” </p>
<p>Well, blueberries are Georgia’s fastest growing agricultural product, with the state producing three times as much revenue from them as peaches. It would seem that research (most likely spent in a local university) to figure out how to do a better job of growing blueberries would be a good thing for the state. </p>
<p>Much of the breakthroughs in science and technology come from grants issued to universities and other research organizations through a grant process funded by the federal government. </p>
<p>Entire programs such as NASA exist on the principle that expanding the envelope of knowledge has a greater social benefit than the cost. Yet they would likely not exist if left solely to the market forces of the private sector.</p>
<p>That’s where the question of venture capital comes in. I oppose the creation of another economic development fund to put the state in the venture capital business. </p>
<p>One of the longest lasting damages of the past five years of bailouts will be the codification of the concept that America privatizes its profits, while sharing the losses of capitalism with the public. </p>
<p>For capitalism to succeed long term, this concept must not.</p>
<p>Those backing the idea of the venture capital fund will cry that most profits will be returned to the state. But they must acknowledge that all losses will be as well.</p>
<p>When the state decides it can mimic the private sector by creating and funding for-profit enterprises, we have left the realm of public good and are picking individual winners and losers. That’s something that can’t be justified.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-02-22/harper-kingston-blueberries-and-capital#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERTechnologyR-SubcommitteeBlueberryBrounchairmanCharlie HarperCounty GOPDebbie DooleyFlora of the United StatesForsythGeorgiaJack KingstonKingstonKingston, New YorkleaderPaul BrounPaul BrounPerson CareerPrivateTea Party movementTea Party protestsTechnologyUnited StatesUnited States SenateUSDVenture capitalventure capitalSat, 23 Feb 2013 03:39:47 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1024457 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: Kingston run means seniority losshttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-02-04/commentary-kingston-run-means-seniority-loss
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/11757409_10.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="309" /></div><p />
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<p>In legislative politics, there are few things more important than seniority. In Washington, seniority is currency, for both a member that knows how to use it and generally for the constituents back home as well.</p>
<p>There was a time when Georgians played the seniority game in Washington very well. Names like Sam Nunn, Herman Talmadge, and Richard Russell resonate for a reason. </p>
<p>Nunn and Talmadge both served Georgia for 24 years. Each had four terms to allow themselves to rise in Senate rank and achieve the benefits of being able to control certain activities and how they would and wouldn’t affect Georgia. Nunn is widely credited with Georgia being able to avoid much pain during early base realignment and closure activities because of his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee. </p>
<p>Russell, meanwhile, was elected seven times to the Senate and was the body’s longest serving member at the time of his death. </p>
<p>As Georgia began to move from a Democratic-controlled state to a Republican one, seniority seems to have been lost as a goal. Quite the contrary, many on the Republican side seem to want term limits, even if they are unilaterally self-imposed here at home. Meanwhile, other states play the seniority game. They have their members flex the institutional muscle to benefit constituents back home.</p>
<p>Most senators generally hit their stride somewhere in their second term and have enough seniority by the end of the second or beginning of their third to command a chairmanship of a key committee. </p>
<p>Georgia lost an opportunity at Senate seniority with Paul Coverdell, who died early in his second term. With Saxby Chambliss’ retirement announcement, another career will end just as the benefits of tenure are codified.</p>
<p>Looking at those who are making overt moves to begin a campaign to replace Chambliss, some will likely have a better chance at building seniority than others. There’s one — Jack Kingston of Savannah— who will have to trade what is perhaps the most clout held by a Georgian in Congress for an opportunity to get at the back of the seniority line in the Senate.</p>
<p>Congressman Phil Gingrey entered Congress 10 years ago and is said to be taking a strong look at the contest. In trading his six terms of House seniority, Gingrey would enter the Senate at age 72. Presuming a successful run for re-election, Gingrey would be in his early 80s by the time he matches the current seniority of senators Johnny Isakson and Chambliss. He would need to go full Strom Thurmond to reach a tenure like that of senators Nunn or Talmadge.</p>
<p>The only semi-announced candidate, Paul Broun, yields only four years to Gingrey. Any attempt at four terms of longevity would put him, too, serving into his 90s.</p>
<p>In January 2015, Lynn Westmoreland will be 64, Tom Price will be 60 and Jack Kingston will be 59. The relative youngsters of the group — Karen Handel, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Congressman Tom Graves — would be 52, 49 and 45 respectively. Graves would also be giving up the least amount of federal tenure of the above bunch while Cagle and Handel would cost no federal seniority in the U.S. House.</p>
<p>The flip side of that coin is the cost of a run by Kingston. </p>
<p>The dean of Georgia’s delegation, Kingston has served Georgia’s 1st District since 1993. More importantly, his time has earned him the chairmanship of a subcommittee that oversees appropriations for all Health and Human Services spending. </p>
<p>He is in a legitimate seat of power in the House. He has far more seniority than all of the remaining Georgia members in the majority caucus.</p>
<p>Many factors will be weighed over the next two years as the race for Senate develops. Those who are considering their options should look at the ability to attain future seniority in a meaningful way.</p>
<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</br></p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-02-04/commentary-kingston-run-means-seniority-loss#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERBusinessPoliticsWashingtonBusinessCandidate PositionDianne FeinsteinGeorgiaGeorgiaGovernmentHerman TalmadgeHerman TalmadgeJack KingstonJohnny IsaksonMember of CongressPaul CoverdellPerson CareerPerson EducationPhil GingreyPhil GingreyPoliticsRichard RussellSam NunnSam NunnSaxby ChamblissSaxby ChamblissSenateSenioritySeniority in the United States SenateUnited States SenateTue, 05 Feb 2013 04:40:58 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1022913 at http://savannahnow.comCommentary: South Georgia's diminishing clouthttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-01-28/commentary-south-georgias-diminishing-clout
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<p>Moultrie is about as South Georgia as you can get. It lies in the middle of a patch of land about equal distances from Tifton, Valdosta, Albany and Thomasville. </p>
<p>Or as those of us from Atlanta might say, it’s the kind of place you would have to go to on purpose. </p>
<p>Moultrie is also the home of two-term Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who surprised most by announcing on Friday that he would not seek a third term. </p>
<p>Instantly, the 2014 campaign season has begun to not only replace him, creating instant contests to fill the seats of those who will no doubt move up to replace him. Like it or not, this campaign season will be 22-plus months long.</p>
<p>Tom Price, Republican congressman from Roswell, is making phone calls in preparation of an announcement. Others, including former Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel, are preparing to fill that void. </p>
<p>Others considering the Senate race include most of Georgia’s other Republican congressmen. Jack Kingston, Lynn Westmoreland, Austin Scott, Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey and Tom Graves are said to be looking. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, one of the highest Republican vote-getters in 2010, is making it clear he may be a candidate. </p>
<p>For South Georgia, however, the outcome favors yet another seat of power moving significantly north. Austin Scott has some experience running statewide, but isn’t likely to run if several of the more experienced Congressmen decide to take the leap. Jack Kingston is revered in coastal Georgia, but despite his 20 years of service is little known in the highly populated metro Atlanta and North Georgia areas where most Republican primary votes are generated.</p>
<p>In all likelihood, the three or four front runners are going to live in or north of the metro Atlanta area. Vote totals show that the math is now clearly on the side of those above I-20. The top three Congressional districts from the 2010 Presidential Preference Primary were the 9th (Gainesville), 6th (Roswell), and 11th (Woodstock). All mostly north of I-285 and generating over 90,000 votes each. By contrast, the South Georgia districts of 1 (Savannah), 2 (Southwest Georgia), 8 (Macon) and 12 (Southeast Georgia) generated 55,000, 41,000, 61,000 and 58,000, respectively. </p>
<p>It was not too long ago when South Georgia ruled Georgia politics. Now, there is exactly one statewide elected official from south of the metro Atlanta area. That person is Doug Everett, Public Service commissioner from Cordele. It should be noted that PSC members must be elected from a district in which they reside. That may be the only reason there remains a South Georgian elected statewide at all.</p>
<p>South Georgia remains an integral and important part of the state, from the largest portion of the state’s economy (agriculture) to the thriving and growing ports. Yet, politically, change has come rapidly to the region. The clout has shifted northward. </p>
<p>This is not to say that the southern part of the state will not have clout. Rather, this area will need to learn how to use the clout they have differently. </p>
<p>It will require more work, more strategy and the formation of strategic alliances.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-01-28/commentary-south-georgias-diminishing-clout#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPERAtlantaThomasvilleAtlanta metropolitan areaAustin ScottcandidateCandidate PositionCasey CagleCasey CaglecongressmanGeography of GeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state) locations by per capita incomeGeorgia-Florida LeagueJack KingstonKaren HandelLt. Gov.Lynn WestmorelandMoultrie, GeorgiaPaul BrounPerson CareerPerson PartyPhil GingreySaxby ChamblissSaxby ChamblissSecretary of StateSenatesouth GeorgiaSouthern United StatesTom GravesTom PriceTue, 29 Jan 2013 04:23:43 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1022196 at http://savannahnow.comHarper: Bye bye Boortz, a Georgia originalhttp://savannahnow.com/column/2013-01-18/harper-bye-bye-boortz-georgia-original
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<p>About the time this column was submitted Friday, Neal Boortz started his final show on WSB radio in Atlanta and its syndicated affiliates. </p>
<p>A fixture of Georgia media for the past four decades, Boortz helped create the genre that is today’s talk radio format and has become an integral part of how many in our state follow politics and other matters of contemporary news.</p>
<p>Neal Boortz has been on the air in Atlanta since 1969, the year I was born. Boortz has become an integral part of many people’s mornings in Georgia, and as someone whose father believed there was no need for that “FM stuff” while I was growing up, he was part of our routine. </p>
<p>When you’ve listened to someone for over 40 years, he may as well be part of the family. Often cranky and belligerent, he fit right in.</p>
<p>There was a time when talk radio was much less about ideological politics and much more of an outlet for people to express their own “man on the street” type of opinions. Most of my memories of Boortz during the earlier years are of a man who knew how to play devil’s advocate better than any in his business or any other. </p>
<p>Delivering an unpopular opinion was guaranteed to generate immediate and often entertaining responses from callers. Many of his positions and his best stunts were designed to remind his audience of the importance for them to think. </p>
<p>Today’s talk radio listeners are a little less tolerant of divergent viewpoints, which is a loss for the medium. Those who will follow Boortz will have to fight this general trend and remain creative to keep the format fresh and relevant. Pairing the shows with social media has been one of the approaches that seems to keep the audience involved in a format that relies more on the views of the hosts and less of those of callers.</p>
<p>Set to join a new generation of these hosts is the founder of my blog Peach Pundit, Erick Erickson. He has found success in Herman Cain’s timeslot and has been a regular guest host for Boortz, as he’s wound down his show. Cain, meanwhile, will begin Boortz’s regular timeslot on Monday morning.</p>
<p>Last Saturday, Boortz held a farewell event for his listeners at Atlanta’s Fox Theater. Erickson and Cain joined Sean Hannity and Jeff Foxworthy to roast Boortz into retirement in front of a few thousand fans. Monica Kaufman Pearson — a legend of Atlanta’s TV news for over three decades herself — handled part of the event with a discussion with Belinda Skelton and Kristina Gonzalez, his two on air handlers (though I’m sure they would scoff that Neil can be handled).</p>
<p>There was a tribute to Royal Marshall, Neil’s longtime engineer and board operator who died of a heart condition two years ago. Boortz confirmed that Royal’s untimely death factored into his decision to move on.</p>
<p>Boortz has his detractors, as anyone who has held strong opinions and used them for more than four decades would. Some of them will be happy that Friday was his last day. </p>
<p>But love him or hate him, Neil Boortz made his mark. He became part of how many of us relate to events of the day and to local and national politics. </p>
<p>He is an original. Georgia media will forever be different.</p>
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<p>Charlie Harper lives in Atlanta and edits the Peach Pundit political blog.</p>
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http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-01-18/harper-bye-bye-boortz-georgia-original#commentsColumnOpinionCHARLIE HARPEREntertainmentAtlantaAdvocateCharlie HarperCommentatorsCox RadioEntertainmentErick EricksonGeorgiaHerman CainHerman CainNeal BoortzNeal BoortzNeil BoortzPerson CareerPolitics of the United StatesRadioTalk radioWSBWSBSat, 19 Jan 2013 03:17:54 +0000CHARLIE HARPER1021282 at http://savannahnow.com